For some children, access to nutritious food and beverages at school can make an important difference during the day. While many schools participate in federal breakfast and lunch programs, not every school or child care institution participates in those programs.
The Special Milk Program (SMP) is a federal child nutrition program designed to help provide milk to children in schools, residential child care institutions, and certain eligible camps that do not participate in other federal meal service programs.
The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Food and Nutrition Service. State agencies and participating institutions are responsible for administering the program locally.
Depending on the institution and the child’s circumstances, milk may be provided at no cost to eligible children or may be available at a price established by the participating institution.
What Is the Special Milk Program?
The Special Milk Program, commonly called SMP, helps participating schools and child care institutions provide milk to children.
It is particularly useful for institutions that do not participate in other federal child nutrition meal programs.
The program can provide milk to children in settings such as:
- Schools
- Residential child care institutions
- Certain summer or nonresidential camps
The exact availability depends on whether the institution participates in the program.
Why Was the Special Milk Program Created?
The program was established to encourage children to have access to milk as part of their diet.
Milk provides important nutrients, including:
- Calcium
- Protein
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin A
- Other nutrients
The federal program helps participating institutions make milk available to children who might otherwise have limited access to a federally supported milk service during the school or care day.
Who Can Participate?
The program is generally intended for children attending participating institutions.
A school or institution must participate in the Special Milk Program for children to receive milk through the program.
This means that simply meeting an income requirement does not automatically create a benefit if the child’s school or institution does not participate.
Parents should first ask the school or institution whether the Special Milk Program is available.
What Types of Institutions Can Participate?
The Special Milk Program can operate in eligible:
- Public schools
- Private nonprofit schools
- Residential child care institutions
- Certain eligible camps
The program can be especially useful for schools and institutions that do not participate in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.
Can a School Participate in the Special Milk Program and Other Meal Programs?
In certain circumstances, yes.
A school that participates in other federal child nutrition programs may also use the Special Milk Program for eligible groups of children who do not have access to those meal programs.
For example, USDA guidance explains that schools participating in school lunch or breakfast programs may use the Special Milk Program for certain half-day prekindergarten or kindergarten children who do not have access to those meal services. (Snaped)
The exact rules depend on the institution and the children being served.
Is the Milk Free?
It can be.
The Special Milk Program can provide milk free of charge to eligible low-income children when the participating institution offers free milk under the program.
Other children may receive milk at a price established by the institution.
Therefore, not every child participating in the Special Milk Program will necessarily receive free milk.
Who Can Qualify for Free Milk?
When a participating institution offers free milk to low-income children, eligibility is generally based on the federal income guidelines used for free school meals.
A child may qualify if the household meets the applicable requirements.
The family may need to submit an application each year when free milk eligibility is determined individually.
Is There an Income Limit?
Yes, when free milk eligibility is based on household income.
The applicable income guidelines are updated periodically.
Eligibility generally depends on:
- Household size
- Household income
- Applicable federal income guidelines
Because income thresholds can change, families should use the current information provided by their school or institution rather than an outdated chart.
Does SNAP Participation Help With Eligibility?
Participation in SNAP or another assistance program can be relevant to eligibility for federal school meal programs.
However, parents should not assume that participation in another program automatically provides free milk through the Special Milk Program in every situation.
The school or institution can explain whether categorical eligibility applies and what information is required.
How Does the Special Milk Program Work?
The basic process is relatively straightforward.
A participating institution receives reimbursement for eligible milk served to children.
The institution purchases and provides the milk.
Depending on the program arrangement:
- Families may pay for milk.
- Eligible children may receive milk free.
- The institution may receive federal reimbursement for eligible milk served.
The federal government does not generally send a monthly cash payment directly to families for the milk.
What Kind of Milk Is Provided?
The milk must meet applicable federal and state requirements.
USDA guidance specifies different milk requirements depending on the child’s age.
For example, under current USDA guidance:
- Children 1 year old must be served unflavored whole milk.
- Children 2 through 5 years old must be served unflavored fat-free or low-fat milk.
- Children 6 years old and older must be served fat-free or low-fat milk, which may be flavored or unflavored. (Guía de Compras de Alimentos)
The institution must also follow applicable state and local requirements.
Does the Milk Have to Be Pasteurized?
Yes.
USDA guidance specifies that milk served through the Special Milk Program must be pasteurized fluid milk that meets applicable state and local standards. (Guía de Compras de Alimentos)
The milk must also meet applicable vitamin requirements.
Can Lactose-Free Milk Be Provided?
The availability of lactose-free or lactose-reduced milk depends on the applicable program requirements and institution.
Parents whose children have difficulty consuming regular milk should ask the school or institution about available milk options.
Not every institution will necessarily offer every type of milk.
Can Non-Dairy Milk Be Offered?
Certain nondairy beverages can be used as milk substitutes in federal child nutrition programs when they meet applicable nutritional requirements.
USDA guidance states that nondairy beverages offered as milk substitutes must meet specified nutrient requirements, including requirements for nutrients such as calcium, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, and vitamin B-12. (Guía de Compras de Alimentos)
Parents should ask the institution about available alternatives.
Can Children With Disabilities Receive a Milk Substitute?
Potentially.
Federal child nutrition programs have provisions concerning meal and beverage accommodations for children with disabilities.
If a child requires a specific milk substitute because of a disability, parents should contact the school or institution and ask about the appropriate accommodation process.
Documentation from a medical professional may be required in certain situations.
What About Children With Milk Allergies?
Parents should inform the school or child care institution about any serious food allergy.
The institution can explain what options are available and whether an appropriate substitute can be provided.
Parents should not assume that an alternative beverage is automatically available.
Does the Program Provide Other Foods?
The Special Milk Program is specifically focused on milk.
It is not a complete breakfast or lunch program.
This is an important distinction between SMP and programs such as:
- National School Lunch Program
- School Breakfast Program
- Summer Food Service Program
- Child and Adult Care Food Program
The Special Milk Program provides milk rather than a complete meal.
Can Preschool Children Receive Milk?
Yes, potentially.
Preschool children can be served through participating schools or institutions when the applicable requirements are met.
The program can be particularly relevant to half-day prekindergarten programs or other eligible settings where children do not have access to another federal school meal service.
Can Kindergarten Students Receive Milk?
Potentially.
Kindergarten children may receive milk through the program when the applicable institution and eligibility requirements are met.
This can include situations where certain kindergarten students do not have access to another school meal program.
Can Children in Residential Care Receive Milk?
Yes.
Residential child care institutions can participate in the Special Milk Program if they meet applicable requirements.
This allows eligible institutions to provide milk to children in their care.
Can Camps Participate?
Certain eligible camps may participate in the Special Milk Program.
Camp eligibility and operating requirements can differ from those applicable to schools.
Organizations interested in participating should contact their state administering agency.
How Do Parents Apply?
The process depends on how the institution operates the program.
If free milk is offered based on household income, parents may need to complete an annual application.
The application may ask for information such as:
- Child’s name
- Household members
- Household income
- Frequency of income
- Public assistance information
- Contact information
The school or institution will provide the specific application and instructions.
Do I Apply Directly to USDA?
Usually, no.
Parents generally work through the school, institution, or organization participating in the Special Milk Program.
USDA oversees the federal program, while state agencies and local institutions handle implementation.
If you are unsure where to apply, contact the school or institution where your child receives care or education.
What Documents Might Be Needed?
The required documentation depends on the institution and the eligibility process.
You may be asked for:
- Proof of household income
- Information about household members
- Public assistance information
- Child’s enrollment information
- Other documentation requested by the institution
Follow the instructions provided by the school or program administrator.
Does the Application Need to Be Renewed?
When free milk eligibility is determined individually based on household income, families may need to apply annually.
The school or institution should provide information about when applications need to be completed.
If your circumstances change during the year, ask whether you should update your information.
What If Your Income Changes?
A significant change in household circumstances may affect eligibility.
Examples can include:
- Losing a job
- Starting a job
- Reduction in work hours
- Changes in household size
- Changes in public assistance
Contact the school or institution if your financial situation changes and ask whether a new eligibility determination is appropriate.
How Much Does Milk Cost?
The price can vary depending on the institution and its program arrangement.
Children who qualify for free milk may receive it without charge.
Other children may be charged a price determined by the participating institution.
For the current price at your child’s school or institution, contact the program administrator.
Does the Federal Government Pay the Family?
No.
The federal government generally provides reimbursement to participating institutions rather than sending money directly to families.
The institution provides the milk and receives reimbursement according to program rules.
What Is Federal Reimbursement?
Federal reimbursement helps participating institutions cover the cost of milk provided through the program.
The reimbursement structure can differ depending on whether the milk is provided free to eligible children or sold to other participating children.
Current reimbursement rates are established by USDA.
Parents generally do not need to manage the reimbursement process.
What If My Child’s School Does Not Participate?
If the school does not participate in the Special Milk Program, your child generally cannot receive SMP benefits through that school.
However, the school may participate in another federal nutrition program.
Ask whether it offers:
- School Breakfast Program
- National School Lunch Program
- Summer meal programs
- Other child nutrition services
Special Milk Program vs. School Breakfast Program
The two programs have different purposes.
Special Milk Program: provides milk to children through participating institutions.
School Breakfast Program: provides complete breakfasts that meet federal nutrition standards.
A school can have one program, both, or neither, depending on its participation and eligibility.
Special Milk Program vs. National School Lunch Program
The National School Lunch Program provides complete lunches.
The Special Milk Program focuses on milk.
The two programs may operate in different circumstances depending on the school and students being served.
Special Milk Program vs. WIC
WIC is a nutrition assistance program for eligible pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children.
The Special Milk Program is an institutional child nutrition program providing milk to children in participating schools and other eligible settings.
They serve different populations and operate differently.
Why Is the Special Milk Program Important?
Milk can provide nutrients that are important during childhood development.
For families with limited financial resources, even relatively small food costs can add up over time.
The Special Milk Program gives eligible institutions a way to make milk available to children while receiving federal support for the program.
It can also help fill gaps in schools or institutions that do not participate in other federal meal programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Special Milk Program
What is the Special Milk Program?
It is a federal child nutrition program that helps participating schools and eligible institutions provide milk to children.
Who can receive milk?
Children attending participating schools, residential child care institutions, and certain eligible camps may participate.
Is the milk free?
It can be free for children who meet applicable income requirements when the institution offers free milk.
Do all children receive free milk?
No. Some children may pay for milk depending on the institution’s program.
Do I need to apply?
If free milk eligibility is determined based on household income, an application may be required.
Can preschool children participate?
Yes, potentially, depending on the institution and applicable requirements.
Can kindergarten students participate?
Yes, potentially, especially when they do not have access to another federal meal service.
Does SNAP automatically qualify my child?
Not necessarily in every circumstance. Ask the participating institution how categorical eligibility applies.
Is the milk nutritious?
The program requires milk to meet applicable federal and state standards.
Can my child receive lactose-free milk?
Potentially, depending on the institution and applicable requirements.
Can a child with a disability receive a milk substitute?
Potentially. Parents should contact the institution about the appropriate accommodation process.
How do I find out if my child’s school participates?
Contact the school administration or nutrition office and ask whether it participates in the Special Milk Program.
Official Special Milk Program Information
For the most current information about the Special Milk Program, participating schools and institutions, eligibility requirements, milk standards, and program administration, visit the official USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
Visit Official Special Milk Program Website →